November 07, (THEWILL) – Arsenal overcame a stubborn Watford team thanks to Emile Smith Rowe’s second-half goal, extending their Premier League unbeaten run to eight games in Mikel Arteta’s 100th game in command.
The Gunners had a disappointing first half, as they were denied an opener on two occasions. Ben Foster saved Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty after Bukayo Saka’s close-range strike was correctly ruled out for offside.
The Gunners kept probing and were rewarded for their perseverance as Smith Rowe expertly guided a right-footed strike past a hapless Foster to send Arsenal fans into raptures.
Watford held strong and made Arsenal work hard for the three points, but an equaliser eluded them, and Juraj Kucka was sent off late, ensuring Arteta’s 100th game in charge will be remembered for all the right reasons.
During his time as Arsenal manager, Arteta has put his faith in youthful players. Emile Smith Rowe is one man who has fully rewarded this trust. The 21-year-old is enjoying his time in an Arsenal shirt and was in the right place at the right time to score the Gunners’ game-winning goal.
On multiple instances throughout the fixture, he linked with fellow young sensation Bukayo Saka, a combination and understanding that is truly starting to blossom as Arsenal appears to have regained its bounce.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, the sole alteration from the starting XI that beat Leicester last weekend, drew a lot of attention this afternoon. The 24-year-old was on the point of leaving the Emirates, but he has forced his way back into Arteta’s plans and demonstrated his worth with a strong all-around performance.
As the player with the most ball recoveries, tackles, and interceptions in the first half, Maitland-Niles helped Arsenal keep another clean sheet and will be in the mix for places in the team going forward.
The English Premier League will be on hiatus for the next two weeks as players are on international duty. Arsenal will face their stiffest clash when they travel to Liverpool on Saturday, November 20, while Watford will host Manchester United at Vicarage Road.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
